There are around 4,000 species of cockroaches worldwide and about 450 species in Australia, but very few are pests. The three main types of cockroaches commonly found in homes and businesses in Australia include the German cockroach, Australian cockroach and American cockroach.
Certain species of cockroaches have co-inhabited with humans in many areas such as homes, ships, food production & storage facilities. These common household cockroaches were introduced into Australia over the last 200 years and are the most commonly encountered household pests in Australia.
Heavy rainfalls and warmer temperatures have caused an epidemic in Australian households: cockroach infestations. Learn how to identify and manage four of the most common cockroach species in Australia. Since 2020, there has been a second epidemic plaguing Australian households: cockroach infestations.
Cockroaches are believed to be in 63 percent of homes in the United States. With so many infestations, there has to be another explanation.
Cockroach Poison – Are cockroaches in Australia dangerous? Cockroaches are not poisonous, however, they do carry and transmit disease. Cockroaches can emerge from places such as sewers and drains, compost and rubbish bins.
When it comes to roaches, there's usually more than what's visible hiding in your home. If you spot one of these pesky insects, it's best to call your local Terminix technician right away to get rid of the cockroaches. There are, however, some steps you can take to prevent a cockroach infestation.
If you spot one, odds are there are a few others lurking nearby, in dark corners or cracks and crevices and they could be fast on their way to a full blown infestation. Cockroaches are dangerous to humans – they carry bacteria on their bodies and their feet, contaminating any surfaces they come into contact with.
Roach Repellents
Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep cockroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.
Vinegar is a natural household ingredient that can repel and kill cockroaches. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water, and then spray it directly onto the roaches when spotted. The strong odour and acidity of vinegar can be effective in eliminating them instantly.
Baking soda and sugar
Make a mixture that is 50 percent baking soda and 50 percent sugar, honey or something similarly sweet and enticing. Leave it in a pot where you suspect cockroaches live and breed. The baking soda will kill the roaches and it's safe to use around pets and children.
With fossil evidence proving that cockroaches have been around for more than 300 million years, they are one of the oldest groups of insects on the earth. They are also one of the most common—perhaps because they have been around so long.
Cockroach droppings are a sure sign that you have an infestation. These pests will eat pretty much anything and leave behind something that resembles coffee grounds or pepper. These droppings are less than 1mm wide and can be difficult to spot if you don't know what you're looking for.
Boric acid is a powerful natural home remedy for getting rid of roaches overnight. Mix equal amounts of boric acid, flour, and sugar until it becomes a dough-like consistency. Place small pieces where the roaches can feed on them.
The World Health Organization also advises against crushing them, for reasons of hygiene. According to the body, which classes cockroaches as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements”, squashing them can spread bacteria into the environment that can lead to asthma, allergies and illnesses.
To drive away roaches, fix any leaky pipes and replace leaky faucets. Repair any other places where outside water can enter your home, such as a leaky window or roof. If your basement is moist, try using a dehumidifer or sump pump. Hiding spots: During the day, cockroaches often hide in dark areas.
Cockroaches are omnivores that eat plants and meat. They have been recorded to eat human flesh of both the living and the dead, although they are more likely to take a bite of fingernails, eyelashes, feet and hands. The bites may cause irritation, lesions and swelling. Some have suffered from minor wound infections.
Some suggest crushing bay leaves and placing them in areas where they hide to repel them, Essential Oils - A general idea that cockroaches dislike the smell of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree as they disrupt and musk their scent trails in food finding.
Spray cypress and peppermint oils under and around your bed.
These essential oils tend to naturally repel roaches. Mix 8 drops of cypress oil, 10 drops of peppermint oil, and 1 cup (240 ml) of water in a spray bottle and then spray this mixture wherever you've seen roaches.
Cockroaches do not avoid light because it harms them. In fact, it's only because they are unable to hide or evade predators when they are in open sight. For this reason, they will not dare to venture out when the light has been turned on in your home.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that crushing a cockroach releases a harmful bacterium into the environment. The bacteria can cause asthma attacks, as well as allergies when inhaled. It may sound rare but it is actually more common that we realise.
Inspect Your House Immediately
When you see a cockroach in your home, you should not ignore it, instead, you must make a move because there might be others living inside your property. Cockroaches don't usually come out when humans are around because they know humans are their biggest predators.
How Long Do Cockroaches Live? All cockroaches go through three stages of life: egg, nymph, and adult. While these insects usually live about 6 to 15 months, the cockroach lifespan varies based on species, moisture, and temperature in each of these phases.